With the festive season approaching, what better way to get into the Christmas spirit, than with a wander around a festive Christmas Market. But where should you go?
The magic of Christmas comes to life, at Tuileries Garden Christmas Market in Paris.
Bright sparkling lights, the aroma of vin Chaud (hot wine), delicious warming food, ice skating, carnival rides and so much more. What better way to get into la magie de Noel (the magic of Christmas)!
There may be affiliate links within this article, using these links will not cost you anything extra, but we may earn a small commission. Thank you for your support.
Table of Contents
Information
Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, is one of the largest and most popular Christmas markets in Paris, with over 10 million visitors per season. Making this one of the best Christmas markets in Paris to visit during the festive season.
Open from mid-November until beginning of January between 11am until 11pm Monday – Thursday, 11am until 12:45am Friday and Saturday, 11am until 11:45pm Sunday.
Admission is free, but include in your budget any cost for rides, food, drinks and Christmas gifts you might buy.
How to get to La Magie de Noel of Paris
As with the name, Paris Christmas market is located at Tuileries Garden, right on the doorstep of the Louvre Museum.
The most convenient way to get to Tuileries Garden is via Metro. The closest stations are either Concorde and Tuileries.
Prefer to take the bus? Then take the following buses 24, 42, 72, 73, 84, 94 that stop within a few minutes’ walk from the Louvre Museum.
Things to see and do at Tuileries Garden Christmas Market
Paris Christmas Market will entertain the young and old with different attractions and entertainment. Ideal for a family day out, romantic weekend for couples in Paris, or solo travelers just looking to get into the Christmas spirit.
So here are just some of the things to see and do at La Magie de Noel at Tuileries Garden.
Ice Skating
No Christmas market could ever be without an ice-skating rink. Decorated in bright lights and all festive decorations.
No matter the age, purchase a ticket and wiz around 500m2 ice rink. Experienced skaters can be seen flying around the rink, showing off their skills.
If you have never skated before, the smaller section with some skating aids, will help you and the young children to learn to skate.
Ice skating is great fun and definitely enjoyed more at a Christmas market.
Ferris wheel
Take a ride up the Ferris wheel for epic views of the Paris skyline and the Eiffel Tower.
This relaxed ride, is perfect at sun set, with the night sky growing darker and the city lights coming to life.
This is definitely one of the best things to do for the views of Paris.
Fairground rides
Jump on the many fairground rides, get lost in the fun house, race around in the bumper cars and see how many you hit. The Santa train is ideal for young members of the family, or get thrown around on the small roller coasters.
Don’t fancy the rides, then just sit back and watch everyone else have the fun.
Craft and gift village
Wander around wooden cabins within the artisan village, selling all kinds of crafts and gifts.
Need a gift for a loved one or family member, then these brightly coloured and beautiful crafted items, will be ideal.
This is definitely our favourite spot in Paris Christmas Market, looking at all the wonderful things on sale.
Other activities to do in Paris
On a weekend trip to Paris and want to do other things, that isn’t Christmas related, then check out these bestselling things to do in Paris.
Where to eat and drink at Paris Christmas Markets
The Christmas Markets in Paris, is one of the great places to find delicious and warming food and drinks. You will find a number of shops, markets, street food vendors and bars that shouldn’t be missed. So here are some of the places to eat and drink in Paris Christmas Market:
Drinks
Whether you’re looking for a hot drink, alcohol, hot chocolate, or something cool, as you wander around La Magie de Noel at Tuileries Garden, you’ll find them served in wooden cabins dotted around the market.
Vin chaud (French mulled wine) is a must. It will keep you warm on a cold winter’s day and full of the traditional spice flavours.
The mulled wine we tried, had a cherry flavour too, with a hint of sweetness, but with the smell and taste of the spices. Definitely a surprise, but well worth drinking.
Food
Good hearty French food is sold in wooden chalets in Tuileries Garden Christmas Market.
On our trip to Paris, we couldn’t not try some of the delicious food on offer. We tried a variety of dishes, such as, sausages and onions, a potato, bacon, onion and cheese dish. All reasonably priced, hot and very tasty.
If you have a sweet tooth, then try the various sweet dishes. We had to follow our main course with a dessert, consisting of waffles, ice cream and marshmallows. Just yum!
As you wander around the food stalls, take in the aroma, as you won’t be able to walk past without ordering something to eat.
Other Christmas related things to do in Paris
Want to continue the Christmas adventures in Paris, then check out these awesome things to do in Paris during the festive season.
Places to Stay in Paris during Christmas
If you are planning to stay longer than a day in Paris, then you want to book yourself in at a hostel or hotel for the night.
Hotel Ibis Gard du Nord
We stayed in an Ibis hotel, during our 24 hours in Paris.
Located only a short distance from Paris Gard du Nord International Train Station and a few minutes’ walk to the Metro Station at Louis Blanc.
A very basic hotel, with all the amenities and a private bathroom. The rooms are a little small and basic, the breakfast is served in the breakfast room next to the bar. Continental and a cooked breakfast are available.
Hotel Ibis Gard du Nord is ideal for a short budget friendly trip to Paris.
Conclusion
The fun packed Christmas market at Tuileries Garden in Paris, is one for all the family.
Enjoy a wander around the market taking in the bright lights, eat tasty French food, have a few warming Vin Chaud, or take on one of the adrenalin junkie rides.
You really can’t go wrong, with getting into the Christmas spirit at Paris Christmas market in Tuileries Garden.
Continue your France travel planning, with these useful posts:
- Travel guide to France
- Day trip to Dunkirk
- First timers tips for driving in France
- DFDS from Dover to Dunkirk
- Free virtual tour
- Tips on how to stay safe while travelling
- What to pack in you travel first aid kit
- What to pack in your beach bag
- What to pack in your cabin bag
- Best travel backpacks to purchase in 2024